Have you ever visited Toledo and encountered Ana Alcaide playing nyckelharpa?

In recent years Ana has taken a unique approach to spreading her music, integrating it within the city and its history. Performing on the streets and at emblematic locations in the historic city center allows her to interact directly with the audience and offer her music with the peculiar instrument she plays.

'I like to play for free and in places where people least expect to see live music, to help create beautiful and pleasant experiences for them. As musicians, I like the fact that we are accessible and that we perform in intimate and less-formal settings, not only on stage. Concerts do offer the audience a better appreciation of our music and an enjoyable experience, but the street provides a much more sincere and spontaneous relationship with them. On the street you always start from scratch, it’s a reminder that you have to be humble… It gives you a direct reflection of what you are and what you offer, and you can learn a lot from that. People stay to listen only if they really like what you’re doing. I also like the fact that my music can reach everyone. There are a lot of people who would have never heard this type of music or seen these types of instruments, if they hadn’t seen me on the street.'